Environmental Management Systems – Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is the program the Air Force uses to ensure compliance in all environmental aspects and allow bottom-up feedback to the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) for environmental concerns and improvement.  EMS is outlined in DAFI 32-7001, Environmental Management, and follows the guidance in DoDI4715.17, Environmental Management Systems, both of which are in conformance with ISO14001:2015.  EMS flows issues up from shop level personnel through Unit Environmental Coordinators (UECs) to the Cross Functional Team (CFT) and to the Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Council (ESOHC).  The CFT is composed of UECs from all squadrons and tenants on Columbus AFB and meets quarterly to discuss the environmental aspects and impacts on the installation.  It gives a voice to all stakeholders on base in environmental policy and action plans.  The ESOHC meets biannually and is responsible for conducting a management review of the effectiveness of the EMS program.  The ESOHC also elevates issues discovered in CFT meetings that need additional resources for programming and funding.  The 2024 Unit Effectiveness Inspection (UEI) stated that Columbus AFB should declare its EMS program in conformance with Air Force and DoD regulations.

Air Quality – Columbus AFB has been designated as a True Minor Source of Air Emissions effective 5 February 2019.  A comprehensive review of current emissions sources and estimation of actual and potential emissions was completed in 2018.  Twelve source categories were identified during the review and validation process.  Actual and potential emissions were calculated using EPA and Air Force guidance. Potential to Emit (PTE) calculations were completed for each source category at its full operational capacity assuming a maximum theoretical operating period of 8,760 hours per year for most sources.  For Internal Combustion engines a maximum operating capacity of 500 hours was used per EPA guidance on emergency use engines.  PTE emission results are well below Major source permit thresholds for Criteria and Hazardous Air Pollutants in attainment areas.  Although CAFB has been designated as a True Minor Source the installation is still required to comply with all Federal, State and local regulations and requirements applicable to air emission sources.  If any future modifications, mission changes, equipment change outs or additions to the base result in additional air emissions, permitting actions may be required at that point.  This is why it is important that monitoring and record keeping requirements continue and to ensure the Environmental Flight knows if any changes in operations occur throughout the base.

Cultural Resources – Integrated Cultural Resources Program (ICRMP) has been reviewed by Air Education and Training Command (AETC) staff and by Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) subject matter experts with the same conclusion: Columbus AFB has not / does not have any structures, known Native American sites, or protected historical interest.  The ICRMP is therefore waived.  The Integrated Tribal Relations Plan is signed.  Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes both claim Columbus AFB as part of their historical range.  Twelve other tribes have claims within the operational flight patterns owned by CAFB.   None have requested consultations.

Hazardous Materials – The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II Report is filed annually with the state of Mississippi on 1 March. The inventory shows no acute hazards and only minimal quantities of materials are used.  EPCRA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) is managed by the installation Hazmat Manager; annual Form R report(s) is submitted by 1 July.  The installation uses EESOH-MIS to process hazardous material authorizations, tracking, usage, and environmental reporting in accordance with AFMAN 32-7002, Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention.  The hazmat review process is linked to the Hazardous Material Management Program (HMMP) team efforts to simplify the process where possible, eliminate errors and achieve compliance.  Pollution prevention and material reduction are responsible for low EPCRA reporting numbers.  The HMMP team also examines shelf life and reuse opportunities, as well as discusses potential for process change or product substitution.  Stock level discipline is enforced to help prevent shelf-life expiration disposals.

Hazardous Waste – Columbus AFB is committed to properly managing the hazardous waste (HW) generated on the installation in strict compliance with applicable federal, Mississippi, and Air Force regulations. This commitment is crucial to assuring the most cost effective, safe, and environmentally responsible approach to handling HW.  The Columbus AFB Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) identifies waste management practices which are designed to meet applicable regulations and minimize negative impacts to the mission.  The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) mandates the implementation of the Columbus AFB HWMP which requires maximum cooperation from all organizations on Columbus AFB.  It is the responsibility of the Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Council (ESOHC) to ensure compliance with all RCRA requirements for Columbus AFB and to notify, apply for permits, and report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state, as required, for all base activities, including tenant activities.  The individual base operational units which generate HW are accountable for conducting their activities in accordance with this program.  The HWMP implements AFMAN 32-7002, Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention.

Integrated Solid Waste – The primary goal of this program is to effectively manage municipal solid waste and construction/ demolition debris generated at Columbus AFB in order to cost effectively reuse or recycle materials to the maximum extent possible in order to meet solid waste diversion goals.  The installation operates its recycling efforts as a Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) in accordance with 10 U.S.C. §2577, Disposal of Recyclables Materials, 32 CFR §172 (b), Disposition of Proceeds from DOD Sales of Surplus Personal Property, and DoD QRP policies.  AFMAN 32-7002, Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention, acts as the main driver for the QRP Business Plan.  In 2016, Columbus AFB was awarded the Mississippi Recycling Coalition Hero Award for Recycler of the Year and came in first place for Keep Mississippi Beautiful for Federal Facilities.  In 2024 Columbus AFB diverted 51% of its solid waste away from landfills.  The target is to reach 60% by 2028.

Stormwater – Columbus AFB currently holds a Baseline Storm Water General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system (NPDES) Permit. The permit authorizes storm water discharges associated with industrial activity. To meet compliance standards, the Columbus AFB Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is reviewed and updated annually by 31 December. The SWPPP documents existing storm water management practices and serves as a guide for base personnel responsible for minimizing storm water pollution. To document compliance, monthly visual site inspection reports are turned in to the Water Quality Program Manager. The results of the evaluation must be documented on the Annual Comprehensive Site Inspection and SWPPP Evaluation Form, filed on-site with the SWPPP and made available to MDEQ for inspection upon request. 

Tanks – Columbus AFB maintains aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) in support of the mission.  The tanks on Columbus AFB are actively managed and inspected to prevent leaks and spills into the environment in accordance with RCRA; 40 CFR 280, Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks; and 11 Miss. Admin. Code Part 5: Underground Storage Tank.  The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC) is included within the Integrated Contingency Plan (ICP); and is reviewed and updated annually

Conservation – Congress established the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a- 670o) in 1960 to ensure that DoD conserves and protects the natural resources they use. In 1997, Congress amended the Sikes Act to require DoD to develop and implement Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs).  The Columbus AFB INRMP outlines how the installation manages its natural resources while integrating mission requirements, environmental and master planning documents, cultural resources, and outdoor recreation to ensure both military operations and natural resources conservation are included and consistent with stewardship and legal requirements.